LEED-AP-ND

The LEED AP ND (LEED Accredited Professional - Neighborhood Development) exam focuses heavily on the principles and practices of sustainable neighborhood design. The main points revolve around the following key areas, with a significant emphasis on how these elements are applied in real-world projects:

1. Location & Transportation: This is a major section. Expect questions covering:

• Strategies to reduce transportation impacts: Transit-oriented development (TOD), promoting walking and biking, reducing reliance on cars (e.g., through proximity to transit, car sharing programs, etc.). Understanding metrics like Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) reduction is crucial.
• Smart location and site selection: Minimizing impacts on sensitive ecosystems, existing infrastructure, and community resources. Analyzing site suitability based on environmental factors is essential.
• Access to diverse transportation options: Understanding the importance of pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, public transport accessibility, and promoting alternative transportation modes.

2. Smart Growth and Community Cohesion: This area tests your knowledge of:

• Urban design principles: Creating walkable neighborhoods, promoting mixed-use development, fostering a sense of community, and enhancing social interaction.
• Density and diversity: Understanding the benefits of appropriately scaled density and a variety of housing types and price points to create vibrant and resilient communities.
• Community engagement and participation: The importance of involving stakeholders in the planning and development process.

3. Environmental Protection: This encompasses a broader scope than just the building itself:

• Protecting and restoring natural habitats: Minimizing site disturbance, preserving open space, incorporating green infrastructure (e.g., green roofs, bioswales), and protecting sensitive ecosystems.
• Reducing stormwater runoff: Exploring strategies like permeable pavements, rain gardens, and other water management techniques.
• Protecting air and water quality: Understanding the environmental impacts of development and implementing measures to mitigate them.

4. Resource Management: Extends beyond building materials to the neighborhood scale:

• Water Conservation: Beyond building plumbing, consider landscape irrigation, water recycling, and greywater systems at the neighborhood scale.
• Energy conservation: While building energy efficiency is important, the exam also covers neighborhood-level strategies like promoting renewable energy, minimizing energy consumption through urban design, and reducing energy demand through transportation choices.
• Waste reduction and recycling: Neighborhood-level waste management strategies, promoting sustainable materials, and reducing construction and demolition waste.
• Sustainable materials: Focuses on the sourcing and use of sustainable materials throughout the neighborhood, including construction, landscaping, and infrastructure.

5. LEED ND Rating System: This is essential. You need to thoroughly understand the LEED ND credit categories, prerequisites, and how points are awarded. Knowing the specific requirements and strategies for achieving points in each credit category is key.

Exam Strategy: The exam tests your understanding of the principles and application of these concepts. Focus on understanding the "why" behind sustainable neighborhood design practices and how different strategies contribute to creating healthy, resilient, and environmentally responsible communities. Practice questions and mock exams are vital for success. Don't just memorize; understand the underlying concepts and their interconnectedness.